In 1982, the WESI program experienced additional setbacks. A lack of initial developmental work in the community and a clear statement of who WESI is for and why it exists have been significant factors. Labor-management problems also erupted this year, resulting in the resignation of the WESI staff. Fifteen workshop leaders and seminar lecturers, who are leaders in the feminist community, withdrew their services in support of the staff resignations. This was done with mixed feelings, for all of them want a good women's program. Since the internal problems of WESI have become more public, four additional lecturers have withdrawn.

For the second year in a row, Educational Foundations moved with swiftness. This spring the concerns, anger and actions of leaders of the women's movement in Saskatchewan were bypassed as new staff and lecturers were hired and WESI 1982 took place.

Now feminist groups are faced with the question: Do they lobby the Department of Educational Foundations and its fenders to make changes or do they initiate an alternate women's studies program and seek funding for that?

In an effort to answer this question, a caucus of feminists, including former staff of the institute developed an analysis of the present WESI structure and proposed an alternative.

The underlying premise of the alternative structure is that women must control women's education and the program must reflect the needs and values of Saskatchwan women. This promise is reflected in the proposal that a Board of Directors come from the women's community and that the staff of a Women's Studies Program be accountable to such a Board. This structure would ensure that women's voices are heard when program and policy decisions are made.

The Board of Directors would be empowered to negotiate with educational institutions for administrative services, registration and the provision,: of facilities, as well as negotiating funding agreements.

The Purpose: to create a community based feminist Women's Studies Program in Saskatchewan. Saskatchewan women need an alternative to WESI.

Sue Smee has been active in the women's movement for 10 years and is presently working with women's organizations across Saskatchewan in her position with Secretary of State, responsible for Women's Programs.